Church

Contribution of former WCC leader recognized by Chile

The Rev. Dr Emilio Castro, former general secretary of World Council of Churches (WCC) from Uruguay, was decorated today by the government of the Republic of Chile.

The honour recognizes Castro’s contribution to the defense of human rights in this South American country during the 1980s.

Castro was awarded with the Orden de Bernardo O'Higgins, Chile's highest commendation for foreigners by the Chilean representative to the international organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Carlos Portales, according to WCC news release today.

The award was established in 1956 named after Bernardo O'Higgins, a central figure of Chile's fight for independence in the 19th century and first President, who is the nation’s founding father.

The Order of Bernardo O'Higgins is an honor usually conferred by the President of Chile on foreign citizens for their outstanding contribution to the field of arts, education, industry, commerce or humanitarian and social cooperation.

Dr Castro, a Methodist pastor from Uruguay, was WCC general secretary between 1984 and 1992.

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